Lesson 10.03: Bloodshed Begins

Bloodshed in the Senate

While the eyes of the nation were focused on Kansas, fighting of a different sort erupted in the halls of Congress. In the midst of a heated debate over slavery in Kansas, Senator Sumner of Massachusetts made offensive remarks regarding Senator Butler of South Carolina. A few days after the speech, Preston Brooks, a representative in the House and relative of Senator Butler's, sought revenge for the personal attack. The fight that ensued showed that even nation's leaders were unable to use words to diffuse a tense situation. Violence over slavery was slowly becoming more commonplace, even in the Senate.

As you read the information provided at the link below, finish answering the 10.03 Bloodshed questions. Once finished, submit the work to the 10.03 Bloodshed Dropbox.

Read The Caning of Senator Charles Sumner.

Note: Please read only this page related to the Senate fight.

Believing that his uncle's honor had been insulted, Butler's nephew, Congressman Preston Brooks of South Carolina (1819-1857), entered the Senate on May 21 and thrashed Sumner so severely with his cane that Sumner did not recover for nearly three years. (Discovery Education)

Did You Know?

Did you know that after the brutal beating of Senator Sumner on the Senate floor by Representative Brooks, both men were viewed as heroes in their respective regions?

Some Southerners chose to show their support for Representative Brooks by sending him new canes inscribed with the words "Hit him again!". Meanwhile, Senator Brooks" Senate seat remained empty for three years as a symbol of the crusade against slavery.